Embocadero DO

A Tempranillo from the northern Ribera del Duero that shows what ancient vines on barren soils can achieve: concentrated fruit, structure, and a long finish with depth.

The Cooperativa San Pedro Regalado was founded in 1958 in La Aguilera and for decades marketed exclusively bulk wine. That changed in 1997 when oenologist César Mate arrived for the harvest and eventually stayed. As director, he invested around 300,000 euros in the modernization of the winery and expanded the estate to its current 150 hectares. The vineyards lie between pine-forested hills — on limestone, stone, and clay soils that give the vines hardly any water, but demand all the more concentrated berries in return. The Tempranillo vines, called Tinta Fina here, are between 70 and 100 years old, making them among the oldest in the entire region, where vines average just 25 years.

In the glass, the Embocadero opens with sloe, dark plum, and bay leaf, plus a hint of licorice and vanilla. On the palate, a soft wood note sets in before juicy cherry and berry fruits take over. The fine-grained tannin and invigorating acidity give the wine support without tightening it. The finish is long and fades out with cedar wood.

Serve at 16–18 °C. Pairs with leg of lamb with herbs, aged Manchego, or a hearty beef stew.